UNCORKED WINE TRAVELS

Musings Along The Wine Trails

Napa Valley’s Castello di Amorosa Winery Is Bewitching

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IMG_6271It’s no wonder why the Castello di Amorosa in the sleepy town of Calistoga is one of the most adored and visited wineries.  The 13th century Tuscan-styled castle was painstakingly replicated by owner and winemaker Dario Sattui, taking more than 14 years to construct.

IMG_6331Sattui’s dream of building a winery to host his Italian varietals in Napa Valley became more of an obsession.  Castello di Amorosa is tucked against the forested hills overlooking acres of vineyards.

IMG_6251Italian Cypress trees line the long driveway to the castle where the magic unfolds as one crosses the drawbridge to enter the castle.  Sheep and chickens roam the dry moat area surrounding the castle, mingling with visitors.

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Castle tours with wine tastings are artfully guided by docents throughout the 107 room medieval castle and grounds. [Read more…]

The Majestic Castello di Brolio – Chianti DOCG

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Castello di Brolio’s museum houses the collections of valuable family weapons, musical instruments, and fossil and mineral collections of Barone Bettino Ricasoli.

The vast views over the vineyards and valley below  the Castello di Brolio are unsurpassed!  Castello di Brolio has dominated the southern Chianti Classico countryside for more than ten centuries.  The property has remained in the Ricasoli family since 1141 and is still used as a summer home for the current Ricasoli baron and family.

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Visitors are free to roam through the English woods and stroll around the Renaissance gardens to take in the breathtaking views of glorious Chianti.

cropped-IMG_1143.jpg A guided tour of the castle museum and grounds includes a wine tasting for approximately 8 euros.  The staff  is extremely  friendly and knowledgeable; shipping can also be arranged and is efficiently handled.  I highly recommend Barone Ricasoli’s 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva as a fine representation of the regional Chianti riserva wines and the 2011 Albia Rose which was very refreshing and surprisingly dry.  Of course, you can’t go wrong with the 2010 Chianti Classico for every day wine.  [Read more…]